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4. Research.—This might be of two kinds
(i.) In connection with the work of the Departmental Committee of the Ministry of
Health.
(ii.) Independent investigations, e.g., enquiry into certain varieties of Cancer (as at
Leeds).
Conclusion.
Whatever view you may take of the various proposals for the control of Cancer, I hope that I
have, at least, shewn that—
(1) Cancer is steadily increasing in Willesden, as is the case in England and Wales in general.
(2) Although the true nature and origin of this disease is still unknown, enough is known about
the conditions under which it occurs and the early symptoms to which it gives rise to
form the basis of a successful scheme for its prevention or cure in a great many cases.
In conclusion, I cannot do better than quote the words of Sir George Newman in his preface to
Dr. Janet Lane-Claypon's " Further Report on Cancer of the Breast," 1926, in which he writes : " It
is well .... once more to insist that there are many right and useful things that ought to be
done now without waiting for the solution of Cancer problems to which we may look forward in the
near future. . . . The promise of these investigations and researches should not be allowed to
blind us to the fact .... that in this and other countries a mass of disease and suffering is
still needlessly continuing which we already have ample means at our disposal to prevent."